Selective signalling of molybdate by a siderophore derivative†

Abstract

By connecting the siderophore aminochelin of Azotobacter vinelandii to a highly fluorescent tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)-type chromophore, a new modular sensor reagent has been synthesised and characterised, which selectively signals the presence of molybdate in solution through luminescence quenching.